The Summa Theologica, Part I, Vol. 2 by Thomas Aquinas

Author:Thomas Aquinas
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Liberty Fund, Inc.
Published: 2010-09-07T23:00:00+00:00

WHETHER THE ESSENTIAL ATTRIBUTES ARE APPROPRIATED TO THE PERSONS IN A FITTING MANNER BY THE HOLY DOCTORS?

We proceed thus to the Eighth Article:—

Objection 1. It would seem that the essential attributes are appropriated to the persons unfittingly by the holy doctors. For Hilary says (De Trin. ii.): Eternity is in the Father, the species is in the Image; and use is in the Gift. In which words he designates three names proper to the persons: the name of the Father, the name Image proper to the Son (Q. XXXV., A. 2), and the name Bounty or Gift, which is proper to the Holy Ghost (Q. XXXVIII., A. 2). He also designates three appropriated terms. For he appropriates eternity to the Father, species to the Son, and use to the Holy Ghost. This he does apparently without reason. For eternity imports duration of existence; species, the principle of existence; and use belongs to the operation. But essence and operation are not found to be appropriated to any person. Therefore the above terms are not fittingly appropriated to the persons.

Obj. 2. Further, Augustine says (De Doctr. Christ. i. 5): Unity is in the Father, equality in the Son, and in the Holy Ghost is the concord of equality and unity. This does not, however, seem fitting; because one person does not receive formal denomination from what is appropriated to another. For the Father is not wise by the wisdom begotten, as above explained (Q. XXXVII., A. 2, ad 1). But, as he subjoins, All these three are one by the Father; all are equal by the Son, and all united by the Holy Ghost. The above, therefore, are not fittingly appropriated to the Persons.

Obj. 3. Further, according to Augustine, to the Father is attributed power, to the Son wisdom, to the Holy Ghost goodness. Nor does this seem fitting; for strength is part of power, whereas strength is found to be appropriated to the Son, according to the text, Christ the strengthof God(1 Cor. i. 24). So it is likewise appropriated to the Holy Ghost, according to the words, strengthcame out from Him and healed all(Luke vi. 19). Therefore power should not be appropriated to the Father.

Obj. 4. Likewise Augustine says (De Trin. vi. 10): What the Apostle says, “From Him, and by Him, and in Him,” is not to be taken in a confused sense. And (Contra Maxim. ii.)“from Him” refers to the Father, “by Him” to the Son, “in Him” to the Holy Ghost. This, however, seems to be incorrectly said; for the words inHim seem to imply the relation of final cause, which is first among the causes. Therefore this relation of cause should be appropriated to the Father, Who is the principle from no principle.

Obj. 5. Likewise, Truth is appropriated to the Son, according to John xiv. 6, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; and likewise the book of life, according to Ps. xxxix. 9, In the beginning of the book it is written of

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